The Horsehead Lake Association has one lake rake available to loan to Association members. If you are interested, please contact Gary Swier at 231-972-8856.

Important
2011 Lake
Management and Weed Control Information

The
2011 Eurasian Watermilfoil treatment was conducted on Tues, May 31. A
re-treatment will occur on Fri, June 17th, to ensure that the treatment is at
the correct level (6 ppb). Unlike previous treatments where only specific areas were
treated, this year's treatment is an "all lake" weed control treatment
using the aquatic herbicide Sonar, which will treat the ENTIRE lake.

This
treatment is safe and has been used commonly for similar treatments in many
other Michigan lakes. Here are a few very important restrictions to remember:

1)
Do not swim in the lake for at least 24 hours upon application.

2)
Turn off ALL irrigation systems (both automatic and manual)... do not use the
lake water for any irrigation / watering purposes until AFTER July 4th.

3)
There is NO restriction on fish consumption.

Please
remind your neighbors of the treatment restrictions, and please consult the
"LAKE TREATMENT NOTICE" which was mailed to all residents on the lake,
and is posted around the lake as well... if you would like more information on
this treatment.

Thank
you from the Horsehead Lake Association.

---------------------------------------------------------------

A
Message from our Loon Ranger:

We
have not had any loons hatch on Horsehead Lake for many years.To encourage nesting this year, we are placing some artificial
nesting islands (ANI), at two different locations on the lake.One ANI will be located just south of the public landing and
the second one will be placed just inside the entrance of Little John
Brown.

IF YOU SEE ANY ACTIVITY ON THE LOON
NESTS, PLEASE STAY AWAY!!!INTEREFERENCE
BY HUMANS WILL BOTHER THE NESTING LOONS AND THEIR CHICKS.If all goes well, we will have an opportunity to watch new loon
families swimming and diving in the lake with us.

Wishing
all of you an enjoyable summer at Horsehead Lake,

The
Loon Ranger

The
2007 treatment occurred on June 14, 2007. Approximately 33 acres
were treated with 2,4, D @$412 per acre. 2 Acres were treated with
Renovate-3 @$437 per acre... Total Cost: $13,646... here are some photos of the process:

About
Eurasian Watermilfoil on Horsehead Lake

The Horsehead Lake Association members along with
other property owners have surveyed the Lakes for the past several years.These surveys were conducted to determine if any invasive species
aquatic plants have moved into the Lakes.Unfortunately, the Lakes are infested with Eurasian Watermilfoil, a
very aggressive, fast growing plant.

You may know the Tri-Lakes of Mecosta, Blue, and
Round chemically treat and mechanically cut weeds in those lakes each
year.
Chippewa
Lake
embarked on a chemical treatment program for watermilfoil last year.Clear lake is starting a treatment program this coming year.This Eurasian Watermilfoil has been all around our lakes.NOW BIG and LITTLE JOHN BROWN and HORSEHEAD, OUR LAKES, HAVE IT!

This situation, indeed invasion, demands immediate
action to control the current growth and eventually eradicate the milfoil.The decision is not whether to treat the lakes or not, we must.The question is how to most effectively treat and eliminate these
weeds.Below is a link to pictures
of this weed.A single wisp
can multiple into 250 million new plants in a single year!

Members of the Horsehead Lake Association along
with other lake property owners have consulted with experts in eradication
of these weeds.Expert opinion
from Michigan State University Fishery and Biology Department was also
obtained.An action plan has
been developed.

Step 1 is to spot treat each area of growth
currently in the lakes.To do
so, each location has been identified and the location marked via Global
Positioning Sensor (GPS).There
are 170 marked locations thus far.These
location markers allow application of a granular chemical at each spot
beginning early 2006.

Step 2 is to monitor in future years the results
of the spot treatment.If
necessary, a further treatment plan will be put in place.

In order to apply for the necessary permit for
spot treatment, some information is required from you. Below is a
questionnaire you must complete and return to the Horsehead Lake
Association as soon as possible.The information required is
your drinking water well location and the depth of the well.Your agreement to do the spot treatment in front of or near your
property is also required.By
completing the questionnaire (see below), you will provide the information
necessary.Please return your
Aquatic Weed Control Reply Slip and contribution to the HHL Association
(Address below).

On behalf of the Horsehead Lake Association, thank
you.Please do not delay in
your response with information and contribution.